The future is electric, there is no doubt about that, and if the 911 will remain gas-powered for a little longer, things will be different for the entire 718 lineup. Porsche announced that as of 2025 both the 718 Cayman and Boxster will be replaced by an electric sports car. This will be the third electric car in Porsche’s lineup, next to the Taycan and the upcoming Macan EV.

A first glimpse at what the electric sports car could look like was offered back in 2021 when Porsche unveiled the Mission R Concept at the 2021 IAA Mobility show. Designed as a race car, the Mission R Concept has evolved even further, and it has now become the 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance – a running prototype that will celebrate its premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from June 23-26, 2022.

Just like last year’s Mission R concept car, the new GT4 ePerformance prototype was built on the chassis of the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport. However, when compared to the GT4 Clubsport, the ePerformance is 14 cm wider and features 6,000 parts designed from scratch. Its entire body is made from natural fiber composite materials – a move that helps generate fewer emissions. Also, the ePerformance prototype features flared fenders to accommodate the wider Michelin 18-inch racing tires.

Its entire powertrain is similar to the one found in the concept car, which means we are looking at a racing prototype powered by two electric motors - placed one on each axle that delivers a combined output of 986 horsepower. The electric powertrain features a 900-volt electric system that allows the battery to be charged from 5 to 80% in about 15 minutes.

Porsche announced that on the simulator the powertrain delivered a constant 603 horsepower for 30 minutes - or the duration of a Carrera Cup race. Also, the company's analysis revealed that the 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance lap times and top speed is on par with the performance of the current 992-generation 911 GT3 Cup.

The GT4 ePerformance will make its debut during the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it will have to show its strength during the 1.9-kilometer (1.18 miles) hill-climb event. After that, the electric prototype will be put under extreme testing. On August 20, 2022, it will be shown again at the Porsche factory in Leipzig on the occasion of the factory’s 20th anniversary. Here it will be pushed to its limits on the 3.7-kilometer (2.29 miles) circuit. From there it will travel through various European countries and circuits, go to North America in 2023, and finish its tour in mid-2024 in the Asia-Pacific region.

“With the Mission R, we’ve shown how Porsche envisages sustainable customer motor racing in the future. The 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance now demonstrates that this vision works impressively on the racetrack,” states Matthias Scholz, GT racing vehicle project manager. “We’re very excited about the response because a one-make cup with electric racing cars would be an important addition to our existing customer racing program.”